Stock Market & Financial Investment News

YouTube to release stand-alone app for kids, WSJ saysGoogle's YouTube is planning to release a smartphone and tablet app for kids featuring original episodes of television shows including "Thomas the Tank Engine" and "Sesame Street," as well as content from existing YouTube kids channels, reports the Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the matter. The app -- slated for an official reveal Monday at the Kidscreen Summit -- will initially only be available for Android devices. The source said the inclusion of ads is "under discussion." Reference Link

Samsung sees LoopPay tech built into smartphone hardware, TechCrunch saysSamsung will work to incorporate its recently-acquired LoopPay mobile payment technology directly into smartphone hardware, reports TechCrunch, citing statements by EVP and head of Samsung Mobile Injong Rhee. Rhee added that LoopPay is "compelling because of its coverage," as its technology allows it to work with roughly 90% of existing card payment terminals in U.S. stores. Samsung Innovation Center EVP David Eun noted the company will release new products incorporating the technology "in the near future" and hinted at the possibility of features like loyalty programs. Reference Link

Lionsgate and Samsung launch exclusive virtual reality experienceLionsgate (LGF) and Samsung (SSNLF) have teamed up to create the exclusive virtual reality experience "Insurgent- Shatter Reality". The four-minute visual work of art is a fully-immersive, 360-degree narrative experience set in the world of the upcoming feature film The Divergent Series: Insurgent.

AT&T to match Google Fiber speed, pricing in Kansas City area, KC Star saysAT&T (T) announced on Sunday that it would offer Internet service in Kansas City and several of itssuburbs, with the same speed and pricing as Internet service provided by Google's Google Fiber service in the region, according to The Kansas City Star. Reference Link

IDC says Xiaomi outpaced Samsung for 2014 Chinese smartphone salesResearch firm IDC reports that Xiaomi achieved a 12.5% market share in China for 2014, while Samsung took second place with 12.1%. Chinese Q4 sales for Samsung fell to fifth place among smartphone makers, at 7.9% market share, down from 18.8% in 4Q13. IDC expects roughly 10% YoY growth for the 2015 smartphone market in China.